Time to build this defense in the trenches

[Sydla]

If Dallas has a Top Ten pick and there isn't a QB available, I would like to see us think strongly about replacing Hayden with a stud DT prospect. There could be a few available in the Top area for us - Nkemdiche, Kenny Clark, Billings.............

If you can dominate the middle of the field, it makes life a lot easier elsewhere.

 

[Alexander]

If Dallas has a Top Ten pick and there isn't a QB available, I would like to see us think strongly about replacing Hayden with a stud DT prospect. There could be a few available in the Top area for us - Nkemdiche, Kenny Clark, Billings.............

If you can dominate the middle of the field, it makes life a lot easier elsewhere.

The middle of the defense is a problem area. From the two DTs, through MLB and of course, safeties.

What is funny is that you don't see Marinelli taking many of those areas seriously. Once he gets what he thinks is important (like 3-T and MLB), he ignores NT and the safety position. He's done it everywhere he has been.

 

[RandyOh]

Wont happen unless we trade back into the middle of the 1st where im still not confident that we take DT. Best bet to fixing our d line is being able to get Bosa in the 1st or taking a good strong side DE in the 2nd. I personally like Jonathan Bullard out of Florida. NT is not valued to Marinelli. our best bet is that their is one sitting their in the mid rounds. I personally like Antwaun Woods (one of my pet cats) out of USC with our 4th round Comp pick. Hes a big ole block eating, run stuffing, NT that can consistently collapse the pocket if they try to block him 1 on 1 the majority of the game.

 

[Sydla]

I like Woods.

If Hayden is our starting 1 Tech again next year, I might be done with this current regime.

 

[Longboysfan]

Draft away....
What weakness do we cover?
CB, Backup QB, RB, DT?????

 

[reddyuta]

I wouldn't get my hopes up.both Stephen and Marinelli don't want to spend high picks on DTs even though the evidence says we desperately need some talent in there.

 

[Hardline]

A dominate pass rush improves your entire defense. If Lynch is off the board and Bosa is there. He is my pick. With that one selection you have just improved your secondary by default. The Giants won two super bowls on a dominate pass rush game.

 

[RS12]

Look at the draft from a financial stand point for the next five years. The four premium positions are QB, LT, CB and pass rush. The only box you can check off the list right now is left tackle. That means five years of a cheap rookie contract for one of the three other positions. Unless the DT can regularly collapse the pocket and get after the QB, I dont see it.

 

[Sydla]

I don't care where they get the player, but they need to upgrade the DT spot, especially opposite Crawford.

If people want to convince themselves we can get by with crap like Hayden, then expect bad defenses going forward. So free agency, 1st round, 2nd round, 3rd round, whatever............. they had better find a significant upgrade at DT this offseason.

We have Hardy now and even with a dominant DE, we still struggle up the middle and in coverage. So thinking a guy like Bosa fixes things on defense is ignoring what you see now on TV.

 

[reddyuta]

I don't care where they get the player, but they need to upgrade the DT spot, especially opposite Crawford.

If people want to convince themselves we can get by with crap like Hayden, then expect bad defenses going forward. So free agency, 1st round, 2nd round, 3rd round, whatever............. they had better find a significant upgrade at DT this offseason.

We have Hardy now and even with a dominant DE, we still struggle up the middle and in coverage. So thinking a guy like Bosa fixes things on defense is ignoring what you see now on TV.

its mind boggling really.Our DEs would be dominant if we could we puh and collpase the pocket but they have it as a firm policy to ignore the DT completely.whatever else they do on Defense will be utterly moot as long as they ignore the DT position.We not only need a 1tech but need a good backup for Crawford too but i wouldnt be the least surprised if they ignored it again.

 

[kiheikiwi]

Will depend on the combine to see what weight guys like Nemchiche (sp) come in at. Supposed to be 296 right now. Billings same. I would take Bosa if the QBs are gone and still take a DT with our 3rd - 4th round pick. If we end up with a 8 - 12 place pick and the top 5 are gone, 2 QBs, 2 CBs, and Bosa, I would try to trade down to mid to late teens and grab an extra 2nd or 3 rd. QB, CB, DT, RB, Safety ... we have so many needs its stupid ...

 

[cds99]

I would be utterly sick if we took a dt with a top pick like we are going to have. Don't get me wrong pressure on the opposing qb is the key, but that position isn't needed as much add others on the team imo

 

[Leadbelly]

One of the safest positions to draft and a clear weak spot on this team. Still, if we're picking top 5, I don't see a DT that warrants the high pick.

 

[Sydla]

I would be utterly sick if we took a dt with a top pick like we are going to have. Don't get me wrong pressure on the opposing qb is the key, but that position isn't needed as much add others on the team imo

How is DT not one of the biggest needs on this team?

I'd rather use a high pick on a potential dominant DT than a RB.

 

[Alexander]

How is DT not one of the biggest needs on this team?

I'd rather use a high pick on a potential dominant DT than a RB.

Because our defensive coordinator does not believe in them. Always an excuse unless it is a rare player like Donald. Otherwise, not quick twitch enough and so on and so on.

 

[JeffInDC]

I wouldn't get my hopes up.both Stephen and Marinelli don't want to spend high picks on DTs even though the evidence says we desperately need some talent in there.

I think what they've always hinted at is that they won't spend a 1st on what they view as basically a really good run-stuffer. Marinelli's issue is that his dream DL would have 2 ultra-athletic 260-270lb. DE's that are both quick, yet powerful enough to hold up against the run & basically 2 Tyrone Crawfords at DT - big, athletic 290-300 lb. guys that are forces against the run and pass. With that in mind, Nkemdiche WOULD fit the mold and I think they would spend their 1st on him.

 

[Sydla]

Because our defensive coordinator does not believe in them. Always an excuse unless it is a rare player like Donald. Otherwise, not quick twitch enough and so on and so on.

Oh I know what Marinelli wants.

Doesn't mean I can't call him an idiot for not trying to improve the DT with some studs.

 

[Alexander]

Oh I know what Marinelli wants.

Doesn't mean I can't call him an idiot for not trying to improve the DT with some studs.

At this stage after dealing with this team for years, I am almost to the point of not bothering to wish for nice things anymore.

I would love Billings. I think he could be a player like Aaron Donald. But hey, no room at the inn, already got Crawford. Definitely got Crawford.

 

[cds99]

How is DT not one of the biggest needs on this team?

I'd rather use a high pick on a potential dominant DT than a RB.

Oh I agree DT would be a huge help, IF you was getting a player like suh. Which you wouldn't be. A qb is what we need, at least to groom and use if we need him. The season has been ruined because we didn't have a qb who was worth being on the team.

 

[JeffInDC]

Knowing the type of DT that Marinelli likes, HIS targets at DT would probably be:


Rounds 1-2:
Robert Nkemdiche, Ole' Miss. - 6'4", 295
Adolphus Washington, Ohio St. - 6'4", 295
DeForest Buckner, Oregon - 6'7", 295

Rounds 3-5:
Montravious Adams, Auburn - 6'3", 295
Sheldon Rankins, Louisville - 6'1", 300
Chris Jones, Miss. St. - 6'5", 300
Adam Gotsis, GT - 6'4", 290

Most of these guys supposedly run Sub 5.0 40's.